BIDAR TOURISM | TOOURIST PLACES TO VISIT & TRAVEL GUIDE TO BIDAR

At a distance of 2.5 km from Bidar Railway Station, Bidar Fort is an ancient fort situated in Bidar, Karnataka. It is one of the magnificent forts in Karnataka and among the prominent tourist places in Bidar.

The initial Bidar Fort is considered to have been built during the reign of the Western Chalukya dynasty which was established in 977 AD at Kalyani. Subsequently, it was captured by the Yadava dynasty of Devagiri and fell yet again to the Kakatiyas of Warangal. Bidar Fort was rebuilt by Sultan Ahmed Shah Wali of the Bahmani dynasty when his capital was moved from Gulbarga to Bidar in 1430 along with several Islamic monuments.

The Bidar Fort is a specimen of the Persian architectural style having 1.21 km in length and 0.80 km in breadth, with a quadrangular layout. Surrounded by three miles long walls and comprising 37 bastions, it is surrounded by a triple moat. It is among the must-visit places .....

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At a distance of 2 km from Bidar Railway Station, Mahmud Gawan Madarsa is one of the major historical structures and a beautiful structure situated between the Fort and Chaubara Clock Tower.

Mahmud Gawan Madarsa is an old Islamic university built by Khwaza Mahmud Gawan in 1472. Mahmud Gawan was a Persian merchant who arrived in the Bahamani Sultanate at around 1453 AD. Due to his honesty, simplicity and knowledge he impressed the Bahamani Kings. He ultimately reached to the post of prime minister and was much respected among the local population.

Gawan had built a large madarsa at the centre of Bidar with his own money. It functioned like a university, in the same way as other contemporary madarsas of West and Central Asia and Saharan Africa. The architectural style of the madarsa strongly resembles the buildings of Samarkand.

The Madarsa had an imposing three-story building with 100 feet tall minarets in four corners. .....

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At a distance of 5 km from Bidar Railway Station, Narasimha Jhira is a wonderful cave temple situated on the outskirts of Bidar town.

The Narasimha Jhira Cave Temple is dedicated to the lion god Narasimha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. It is also known as Narasimha Zarna Cave temple or Jharani Narasimha Temple. People throng to this temple because it is believed that the idol at the Narasimha Jhira Cave temple is self manifested and is very powerful.

The Temple is known for its natural beauty and is considered to be very sacred. This ancient temple is excavated in a 300 m tunnel under the Manichoola hill range. Within the cave, a stream of water is said to be flowing continuously since the foundation of the temple. Devotees have to walk waist deep in the water for 300 m for the darshan of Lord Narasimha.

According to mythology, Lord Narasimha first killed Hiranyakashipu and then proceeded to slay the demon Jalasura who .....

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At a distance of 2.5 km from Bidar Railway Station, Rangin Mahal is a beautiful palace situated inside the Bidar Fort.

The Rangin Mahal positioned near the Gumbad Gate, is one of the best preserved sites in Bidar Fort. The mahal is famous for its beautiful wood carvings, fascinating tile mosaics and Mother of Pearl decorations.

Rangin Mahal was constructed during the reign of King Ali Barid Shah of Baridshahi dynasty (1542 - 1580). Ali Barid Shah was a great patron of Persian poetry and art. Rangin Mahal literally means 'Colored Palace' and this name was apparently given to it on account of its walls being originally decorated with tiles of different hues, traces of which still exist.

The design of the Rangin Mahal represents the blend of the both Hindu and Muslim architectures. The palace has two floors consisting of a hall with rooms. The Mahal features five-bay hall that comprises of carved wood columns in rectangular .....

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At a distance of 2.8 km from Bidar Railway Station, Solah Khamba Mosque is ancient mosque situated inside Bidar Fort.

The Solah Khamba Mosque was built by Qubil Sultani between 1423 and 1424 AD. The Mosque derives its name from the 16 pillars that are lined in the front of the structure. It is also called Zanana Masjid as it is situated near the Zanana enclosure.

The Solah Khamba Mosque or sixteen columned prayer hall is the oldest Muslim building in Bidar. The Mosque is a part of Bidar fort situated after Rangin Mahal. This Mosque served as the principal place of worship within the fort.

This Mosque is about 90 m long and 24 m wide. The outer construction of the Mosque consists of a long row of arched openings. The massive columns, arches and domes are attractive. The parapet of interlocking battlements above is a Bahmani addition. Its flattish central dome is raised on a .....

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At a distance of 2.8 km from Bidar Railway Station, Tarkash Mahal is situated south of Lal Bagh Gardens, beside Solah Khambha Masizd inside the Bidar Fort.

The Tarkash Mahal was originally built for the Turkish wife of a Bahmani sultan between 14-15th centuries. The upper parts of the palace were built during the Baridi rule. The decorative work of the Baridi reign is seen in the upper levels of the building.

At present, there is no access to the inner parts of the building due to the ruined condition of the structure. The upper parts can reached by a flight of steps which also lead to the roof of the Solah Khamba Mosque. In the middle, there is a hall with arched openings and was beautifully decorated with tiles and stucco work. The roof of the hall has fallen and originally there was another floor above it, the remains of which in the shape of two arches can still be there.

There are smaller rooms on either side of the .....

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At a distance of 3 km from Bidar Railway Station, the Barid Shahi Tombs are historical monuments situated in Deccan Park and Barid Shahi Park near Bidar Bus Station. The Archaeological Survey of India has declared the group of tombs as national monuments. It is one of the must-include places in Bidar Tour Packages.

The Barid Shahis gained control of the territory around Bidar at the beginning of the 15th century. The tombs of Ali Barid and his son Qasim Barid are located in the sprawling gardens of Deccan Park. The 55-acre garden has hundreds of plants spread across. The main entrance has a gateway on the south, decorated with architectural motifs with star-shaped panels and beautiful patterns. The tombs are among the places to visit in Bidar.

Ali Barid Shah was the most prominent among Baridshahi rulers. He was interested in architecture and built .....

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At a distance of 1.6 km from Basavakalyan Bus Stand, 78 km from Gulbarga, and 80 km from Bidar, Basavakalyan Fort, earlier known as Kalyani Fort is located in the town of Basavakalyan. It is one of the popular places of heritage in Karnataka, and among the must include places in Bidar Tour Packages.

Basavakalyan Fort is considered to be one of the oldest and most imposing forts in South India. It was built by King Nalaraja in the 10th century. Basavakalyan, earlier known as Kalyani, was the royal capital of the Western Chalukyan Dynasty from 1050 to 1189. The name was changed to Basavakalyan in 1956. It is named after Basaveshwara, a spiritual scholar from the 12th century. During the rule of Chalukyas, Jainism flourished and a large number of Jain images were carved on the walls of the forts by Chalukya kings. It is one of the most popular places to visit in Bidar.

This .....

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At a distance of 19 km from Bidar Railway Station, Black Buck Resort is a property of Jungle Resorts and Lodges, Govt of Karnataka. It is one of the best jungle resorts maintained by the Government of Karnataka, and among the must-include places in Bidar tour packages.

Black Buck Resort is located between the Honnikeri Reserve Forest and the Vilaspur Lake. The Lodge is spread over 4 acres of land, abundant in greenery, flora, and fauna. The Resort got its name from Black Bucks that roam freely surrounding the resort. Even Peacocks make a sudden appearance at the resort premises. The cottages, tastefully decorated, stand amidst an attractive setting. Each cottage has a private sit-out for those preferring a relaxed evening. The cottages have all the modern amenities with a touch of local architecture. There is also a cozy corner that provides an area for a campfire, restaurant, and .....

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At a distance of 5 km from Bidar Railway Station and 1 km from Bahmani Tombs, Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah is located at Ashtur.

Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah is a tomb built in honour of the renowned Hazrat Khalil Ullah. He was the spiritual adviser of Sultan Ahmed Shah. The tomb is known for its beautiful architecture, which features calligraphy and stone work above the arched doorways with carved granite pillars and adorned walls of the structure.

Chaukhandi of Hazrat Khalil Ullah is one of the prominent historical monuments in Bidar. The tomb is a two story octagon with a freestanding square domed tomb chamber within, entered through a large gateway with pointed arches. The outer octagonal curtain wall has arched recesses flanked by panels with diagonal squares; all outlined in black carved stone bands and covered in colored tile work. Inscriptions of Koranic verses adorn the doorway. The walls are decorated with stucco work both inside and outside. The calligraphy .....

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